Some people have called Bernie Federko one of the most underrated players in Hockey history and others have openly questioned this induction. Federko played all but one season in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues and had a career of over 1,100 points. He was called the “Magician” for his ability to expertly put the puck in the perfect position for his teammates to score and was the first player to get 50 assists in ten consecutive seasons.

As one of the big five of the Soviet Union’s National Team, Viachevslav Fetisov was the top Defenceman in International Hockey in the 1980’s. He was not just a defensive wizard, but he was the team leader of the Red Army.

Mike Gartner is not be the most decorated player, as he holds the distinction of being the only player to enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility without ever playing in a Stanley Cup Final, won a post season award or being named to an All Star team. That statement aside, Mike Gartner’s Hall of Fame induction is based on his longevity and consistency over his near twenty years of pro hockey. He would hit the 40 goal mark nine times and would finish with 708 in total. He was known for his speed on the ice and his accuracy with the puck. Gartner’s misfortune of being on a lot of bad teams (mostly in Washington) allowed him to suit up for Canada often in the World Championship, where he excelled. Often, the Hockey Hall of Fame is criticized for allowing a lot of players who may have been stat accumulators, but Gartner did pile up a lot of them!

Jari Kurri was not the first player from Finland to grace a National Hockey rink, but he did become the first superstar from his Scandinavian country. Kurri had the fortune of being selected by the Edmonton Oilers and he was immediately paired with Wayne Gretzky; where they helped each other dominate the stat sheet. The original “Finnish Flash” hit the 100 point mark six times and finished two shy of 1,400 in his career. Kurri also captured the Goals title in 1986, an incredible feat considering the loaded offensive talent in the 1980’s. What Kurri did not always get credit for was his defensive ability. Which was naturally overlooked on those powerhouse Oilers teams. This two dimensional player also won the Lady Byng in 1985. Jari Kurri became the first Finnish player into the Hockey Hall of Fame.